Cir"cum*stance (?), n. [L. circumstantia, fr. circumstans, -antis, p. pr. of circumstare to stand around; circum + stare to stand. See Stand.]
1.
That which attends, or relates to, or in some way affects, a fact or event; an attendant thing or state of things.
The circumstances are well known in the country where they happened.
W. Irving.
2.
An event; a fact; a particular incident.
The sculptor had in his thoughts the conqoeror weeping for new worlds, or the like circumstances in histery.
Addison.
3.
Circumlocution; detail.
[Obs.]
So without more circumstance at all
I hold it fit that shake hands and part.
Shak.
4. pl.
Condition in regard to worldly estate; state of property; situation; surroundings.
When men are easy in their circumstances, they are naturally enemies to innovations.
Addison.
Not a circumstance, of no account. [Colloq.] -- Under the circumstances, taking all things into consideration.
Syn. -- Event; occurrence; incident; situation; condition; position; fact; detail; item. See Event.
© Webster 1913.
Cir"cum*stance, v. t.
To place in a particular situation; to suppy relative incidents.
The poet took the matters of fact as they came down to him and circumstanced them, after his own manner.
Addison.
© Webster 1913.